3 Easy DIY Kitchen Storage Projects to Maximize Space

Is your kitchen constantly cluttered with spice jars, baking supplies, and cookware that’s hard to access? If you’re like most people, you probably have a kitchen full of stuff that never quite fits neatly into the cabinets. The good news is you don’t need to hire a professional to get your kitchen organized. With a few basic materials and a bit of elbow grease, you can create functional, stylish storage solutions that maximize space. Here are three easy DIY projects to help you organize your kitchen efficiently.

Project 1: DIY Spice Rack for Small Spices

Spices can be one of the most frustrating things to store in the kitchen, especially if you have multiple duplicate jars cluttering up your shelves. This simple DIY spice rack solves that problem by providing a dedicated, organized space for your most-used spices.

Materials Needed:

• One piece of wood (for the frame)

• Aluminum rod

• Brad-point drill bit

• Brad nails

• Wood glue

Instructions:

1. Cut the Wood: Start by cutting your wood into four pieces—two long pieces for the sides and two shorter pieces for the shelves.

2. Drill Holes for the Aluminum Rod: Use a ¼ inch brad-point bit to drill holes along the front of the shelf where the rod will hold the spices in place. Ensure the holes are deep enough to accommodate the rod but shallow enough so it doesn’t poke through the wood.

3. Shape the Edges: To give the rack a polished look, round off the front corners of the wood with a simple arc.

4. Assemble the Spice Rack: Attach the pieces together using wood glue and nails. For added security, you can clamp it while it dries.

5. Add the Aluminum Rod: Cut the rod to size and insert it through the holes on each shelf. This will prevent your spices from falling out as you open and close the door.

6. Mount the Rack: Install the spice rack on the inside of your cabinet door or on the back of a cupboard door for easy access to your spices.

This spice rack is a simple yet effective solution for keeping your most-used seasonings within reach. Plus, it's customizable—if you have more or fewer spices, you can adjust the size or number of shelves.

Project 2: Pull-Out Shelving for Hidden Kitchen Storage

If you have a small cabinet with limited space, it can be tough to store items like small appliances or baking supplies. The solution? A pull-out shelving unit that utilizes the vertical space in your cabinet while making everything accessible.

Materials Needed:

• ¾ inch plywood (for shelves)

• ¼ inch plywood (for the bottom of the tray)

• Drawer slides

• Edge banding

• Wood glue and screws

• Router

Instructions:

1. Cut the Wood: Measure the interior dimensions of your cabinet and cut the plywood pieces accordingly. You’ll need four pieces for the sides, a bottom piece, and a back piece.

2. Apply Edge Banding: Edge banding is a quick and easy way to give plywood a professional finish. Use an iron to apply the veneer strip to the edges of the plywood, then trim off the excess.

3. Install Drawer Slides: Attach the drawer slides to the sides of your cabinet and to the pull-out tray. Recess the drawer slides slightly so that the tray can slide in and out smoothly.

4. Assemble the Tray: Assemble the tray using wood glue and screws. Attach the bottom piece of plywood to the frame, and then install the sides.

5. Install the Pull-Out Tray: Slide the tray into place inside the cabinet, ensuring that the slides are securely attached and the tray is level.

6. Finishing Touches: You can even add adjustable shelving inside the tray to make it even more versatile for storing kitchen gadgets or baking supplies.

This pull-out storage solution makes use of otherwise wasted vertical space and is perfect for items you don't use daily, like appliances or seasonal dishes.

Project 3: Under-Cabinet Drawer for Hidden Storage

Have you ever noticed that the space under your cabinets is often just a dark, dusty void? With a little creativity, you can turn that unused area into a functional storage drawer. This project is ideal for storing things like large containers, baking sheets, or even those secret snacks you don’t want anyone else to find!

Materials Needed:

• ½ inch plywood (for the drawer frame)

• Drawer slides

• Wood glue and screws

• Edge banding

• Drill and screws

• Light or LED strip

Instructions:

1. Remove the Toe Kick: Start by carefully removing the toe kick from underneath your cabinets. This may be a thin, cardboard-like piece or a more substantial molding. Set it aside or replace it with a new one after installing the drawer.

2. Measure and Build the Drawer: Measure the available space under your cabinets and cut plywood to fit the drawer. Attach the sides and bottom to form a frame. Make sure the dimensions are snug to maximize the use of the space.

3. Install Drawer Slides: Attach drawer slides to the sides of the cabinet and the frame of your new drawer. This will allow the drawer to pull out smoothly.

4. Install the Drawer: Slide the drawer into the cabinet, ensuring that it moves freely and fits well into the space. You may need to adjust the slides to make sure everything lines up.

5. Add Lighting (Optional): If the space is dark, consider adding a small light or LED strip inside the drawer to help you see the contents easily.

6. Replace the Toe Kick: Once the drawer is installed, you can reinstall the toe kick or replace it with a new one. Now you’ve got an extra hidden storage area for larger kitchen items.

This under-cabinet storage drawer is perfect for organizing items you don’t use every day but still need easy access to. It’s also a great way to make use of the space that would otherwise remain unused.

Conclusion

With these three simple DIY storage projects, you can transform your kitchen from chaotic to organized. Whether you need a better way to store spices, make more room in tight cabinets, or hide away snacks, these storage solutions are budget-friendly and easy to make. No need for fancy tools or complicated skills—just some basic woodwork and creativity will help you make your kitchen more functional and clutter-free. Get started today, and enjoy a kitchen that works as hard as you do!